New School: Scott Fernandez

Extended range bass artist Scott Fernandez is pushing musical boundaries. Equally comfortable on a 4-string as well as his 12-string, Fernandez incorporates his extended techniques to create lush harmonies, intense counterpoint, and intriguing melodies. His arsenal of effects pedals also help to create thick soundscapes while adding depth to his compositions.

Fernandez only stepped out into the solo bass arena a year ago, so we reached out to get more about his background, his style, and what he’s up to.

How did you discover your new school style?

I discovered my way of playing through a series of mistakes. I started off on the upright and I had no idea what I was doing on the electric. When I asked a guy at the new high school I was sent to “how do you play bass” he responded by telling me to use my thumb as a pick. I think it was a bit of confusion due to my thick accent or something because I found out later that he was talking about his style of slap bass in particular. It was too late and I’ve been slapping and tapping my way around ever since. Also, that fella from my high school is a friend of mine named Evan Brewer.

Trace Elliot All Valve V-type 1×15 Combo (UK) (2 of them run in stereo)

Pedals

Electro Harmonix HOG w/Controller

Electro Harmonix Freeze Pedal x2

Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff

Electro Harmonix Hum Debugger

Electro Harmonix Stereo Talking Machine

Electro Harmonix Metal Muff

Electro Harmonix Analogizer

TC Electronics Nova Reverb

TC Electronics Nova Dynamics

TC Electronics Nova Drive

TC Electronics Nova Modulator

TC Electronics Tuner

What kind of gigs do you get with your new school style?

I play all kinds of gigs. When I began this journey as a solo artist, I decided that I would never be too good to play a venue or with a band. I will play dive bars and sweaty metal clubs, jazz caves and outdoor stages… I play street corners and concert halls. I never say no.

Any traditional playing gigs?

I am heading out on the road with an artist named Felix Martin coming up in September but aside from that I play solely as a solo artist. I will pick up a random jazz gig or country gig if I need some extra cash but it’s very few and far between.

Do you have albums where we can hear your new school style?

I do not have any albums recorded. I’m working on getting all the tunes prepared for my first solo EP/Album. Coming soon…

For me, it’s all about getting the music recorded and taking my freak show on the road. I am hoping that everyone enjoys it everywhere I take it. I don’t know what happens next in the musical process but I am hoping to be able to take this is as far as a solo artist can take it.

What else do you want to share?

Not too terribly much. Thank you for taking the time to have me involved in your wonderful publication. I’ve only been a solo artist for a year and the amount of support and acknowledgement from fans and people involved in the industry has been overwhelming. I promise to continue to do my best.

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That’s sweet man. I’ve often considered getting something just for tapping like a chapman stick or something, but I think I would be vastly more comfortable on an instrument like yours. Awesome playing, man. Keep it up!

My basses are basses first and that is what I love about them. I don’t do the “touch style” instruments because they play like touch style instruments. Chapman Sticks and the like are just that. I only know how to play bass =)

Also, thank you for the well wishes… I will be doing my best to get what I do out there as much as possible =)

It’s a 6 String Triple Course =) Also, I’ve been wanting one of your basses for at least a year now… SOON!!!
(also, thank you soo much for taking the time. You have been an amazing support and encouragement for when I was just deciding to become a solo artist. SERIOUSLY, that NAMM and hanging out in that Hotel Room was what did it)